Guides

How to use a token board (reward chart) that actually works

A token board shows your child exactly how close the reward is. Used well, it turns a long wait into small steps they can see.

How it works

Your child earns a token for each try, step or stretch of the thing you’re working on. When the board is full, the reward happens. The tokens make the wait visible, which is often what makes it bearable.

Choose the reward first

Let your child pick from two or three rewards and put the picture at the top of the board, so they can see what they’re working for. Small, quick rewards work best: five minutes on the trampoline, a story, a favourite game.

Start small

• Start with 5 tokens, not 10, so the first reward comes quickly.
• Give each token straight away and say what it was for: “Shoes on. That’s a star.”
• Once it’s working, move to 10 tokens, or ask for a little more for each one.

Mistakes that stop it working

• Taking tokens away. A token earned stays earned. Removing tokens turns the board into a threat.
• A reward that’s too far off. If the board never fills, it stops meaning anything.
• Changing the deal halfway. Agree what earns a token before you start, and keep to it.

Fading it out

When a routine is going well, the board can do less: one token for the whole routine instead of each step, then just a word of praise. You can always bring it back for a new skill.

Kits that go with this guide

• Chores kit (£3.49): 21 picture job cards, a weekly jobs chart and a reward board.
• Classroom Pack (£9.99): The School Day timetable, Now and Next, token board and break cards in one download. Save £4.47.
• First and Then board (£3.49): A First and Then board, small boards to carry, choice boards and 45 cards.
• Token board (£2.99): 5 and 10 token boards, 40 tokens in four styles and reward cards.

Written by a dad to an autistic son with ADHD. This is everyday parenting advice, not medical or therapy advice. If you’re worried about your child, talk to your GP, health visitor or school SENCo.